Portland Thunder

Thunder Clip Talons, 55-40

PORTLAND, OR – For a night, everything went as planned for the Thunder (3-7) as they jumped out to an early lead and never looked back against the San Antonio Talons (1-9), 55-40.

In a harbinger of the “everything will work out” night, offensive lineman Stanley Daniels started the night with a 13-yard touchdown reception. The Talons evened the game, but quarterback Danny Southwick put the Thunder ahead for good with a 12-yard scramble of his own, by far his longest run of the season.

Southwick wasn’t so bad through the air, either, completing 20 of 30 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns.

Jeffrey Solomon immediately fell back into the groove he left when he was traded to Orlando, catching 10 passes for a franchise-record 155 yards and two touchdowns. Eric Rogers had his 100-yard game streak broken, but still caught two touchdown passes and piled up 57 yards.

Talons DB DJ Johnson played well in the loss, picking off two passes in the end zone, including the highlight of the game, a ball that bounced off his hand, WR Eric Rogers hand, his feet, the wall, and finally his chest before he corralled it.

The Thunder picked of three Shane Boyd passes, however, with Varmah Sonie, Dwight McLean, and Eric Crocker all picking off passes.

Things went so well for the Thunder that backup quarterback Darron Thomas got extended playing time in the fourth quarter, scoring on his first drive as well. Thomas scored on an earlier drive as well, establishing himself as a goalline weapon with his blend of passing and rushing skill.

The Thunder look to keep winning as they head up to Spokane next Friday for their second battle with the division rival Shock. The game will be on May 30 at 7 p.m.

To keep up with everything going on with the Thunder, visit our website at www.portlandthunder.com or keep up with us on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter or Instagram (@PDXThunder).

RUSSELL ATHLETIC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Danny Southwick, POR

RIDDELL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Varmah Sonie, POR

J. LEWIS SMALL PLAYMAKER OF THE GAME: Jeffrey Solomon, POR

CUTTERS CATCH OF THE GAME: Rogers’ TD reception in the corner of the end zone

The Portland Thunder are a professional arena football team of the Arena Football League from Portland, Oregon, USA. They play their home games at the Moda Center. 2014 marks the franchise’s first season. Tickets and Sponsorships are available for the 2014 season. For more information, email us at info@portlandthunder.com or call 503-773-4235.